Corporate Investment
A visa for foreigners who invest above a certain level to establish a foreign-invested company (corporation) in Korea and work in its management, production, or technical roles as essential personnel. Its hallmark is being based on "corporate investment" under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, rather than a personal business. It is commonly used by those seriously starting a company or corporate business in Korea.
Who it’s for
For foreigners who invest to establish/run a foreign-invested company (corporation) in Korea or work as its essential personnel.
What you can do
You handle management/administration or core production/technical work at the foreign-invested company you invested in. The exact scope depends on the company form and role, so check HiKorea.
Key points
- Based on corporate (foreign-invested company) investment, not a personal business — this is the big difference from trade-management (D-9) (a common confusion)
- It involves steps like foreign-invested-company registration and checks on whether investment funds arrived properly (amount criteria vary by policy — verify officially)
- Business performance and continuity can also be reviewed
- It suits those running a long-term business in Korea via startup or incorporation
- Exact investment requirements and review criteria vary by policy, so verify with HiKorea or a professional
Transition paths
Sustaining the business and stay may lead toward long-term residence and even permanent residence (F-5) — not guaranteed. If your activity is individual trade/sales, trade-management (D-9) may fit better than D-8, so check which applies first.
Related visas
This is general information and has no legal force. Actual eligibility and requirements depend on your situation and policy — before applying, verify with official sources such as Hi Korea and a professional (e.g., a licensed administrative agent).
Last updated: 2026-06-09